SEMI reports 2010 global semiconductor materials sales of $43.55 billion

SINGAPORE: The global semiconductor materials market increased 25 percent in 2010 compared to 2009 as the semiconductor industry shipped record units. Record device shipments are primarily responsible for the record revenues experienced by the materials industry, surpassing the previous high of $42.67 billion set in 2007. An outstanding growth rate for the ROW region, including Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines and other areas of SEA, was 21 percent from 2009 to 2010.

Semiconductor materials market revenues totaled $43.55 billion globally in 2010. Total wafer fabrication materials and packaging materials were $22.93 billion and $20.63 billion, respectively. Comparable revenues for these segments in 2009 were $17.75 billion for wafer fabrication materials and $17.09 billion for packaging materials. Significant increases in silicon and advanced packaging substrates revenues contributed to the year-over-year growth of the total semiconductor materials market.

Japan remains the largest consumer of semiconductor materials with $9.20 billion in total sales, though the materials market in Taiwan reached $9.11 billion due to its large foundry and advanced packaging base. All regional markets experienced double-digit growth. Rising gold metal prices propelled revenues in regions with strong packaging bases. (The ROW region is defined as Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, other areas of Southeast Asia and smaller global markets).Source: SEMI, USA.